Senior Teaching Assistant

North East Ambition; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a passionate SEND Senior Teaching Assistant to support students with Autism and other special educational needs. The role involves leading interventions, mentoring staff, and promoting inclusive practices within the school. The successful candidate will thrive in a supportive environment focused on achieving the best outcomes for all pupils.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting SEND pupils, especially with Autism.
• Ability to lead and mentor teaching assistants.
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Lead support interventions for communication and interaction difficulties.
• Line manage other teaching assistants and mentor apprentices.
• Act as a Key Worker for SEND pupils and maintain contact with parents.

Skills

Communication support

Leadership

Mentoring

Social inclusion

Education

Relevant qualification in Special Education

Job description

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Senior Teaching Assistant to lead Autism and supporting ARMS provision, and work in partnership with teaching and other SEND Team staff. You will support the learning, engagement and progress of SEND pupils in a range of contexts.





The SEND Senior Teaching Assistant will:



• Work with class teachers and other Teaching Assistants to ensure SEND pupils engage in learning and make good progress;



•Lead the support interventions for communication and Interaction difficulties such as Autism.



•Develop expertise in Communication and Interaction support and promote best practice throughout the school within that area of specialism;



•Line Manage other teaching assistants and mentor an apprentice to develop their skills within your area of specialism;



•Promote pupils’ independent learning skills, self-esteem and social inclusion;



•Give support to pupils through structured interventions so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement;



•Act as a Key Worker for a number of SEND pupils, maintaining regular contact with parents / carers;



•Work closely with Faculty Leaders to ensure teaching staff have the skills, knowledge, training and resources to differentiate appropriately to meet the needs of SEND pupils within their subjects;



•Be linked to and support a faculty with SEND intervention and teaching strategies, developing expertise in specific subject areas;



•Support the SENDCO in managing the day to day activity of the ARMS (Additionally, Resourced, Maintained School) provision.





The SEND department in Whickham is exceptional, with a reputation for adopting a person centred approach to overcome any barriers a young person may face. The successful candidate will work in an exciting, fast-paced and highly motivated, yet supportive environment. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for behaviour, engagement and academic outcomes. At Whickham School, we value all of our pupils and ensure that they are seen as individuals with differing interests, knowledge, skills and needs. We have an inclusive ethos and strive to increase the learning and participation of all pupils, ensuring access to an appropriate curriculum.



SEND is seen as a whole-school issue, hence the responsibility of everyone. Every teacher is a teacher of every young person, including those with SEND or any other additional need. We work closely with our children, families and a wide range of professionals to ensure the best possible educational and holistic outcomes.



Our aim is to ensure every young person is the best they can be and whilst we’ve already achieved much in achieving our goal, we continue to strive to be better. We’re proud of our good reputation within the region and positive feedback we receive from students, parents, staff and external organisations such as Ofsted.





The role is 37 hours per week in term time. Hours of work are 8.20am - 4.20pm Monday - Thursday and 8.20am - 3.50pm on a Friday. Please submit your application via the TES by the closing date Monday 2nd June 2025 at 9.00am.



Actual Salary Based on term time working 196 days £26,824.56 to £28,809.62.





Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.



We have a robust Safeguarding Policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment with the school.



This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.